By William Garvey, Molly McMillin, Jessica A. Salerno
A bill for third-class medical reform for pilots is gaining momentum. On Dec. 9, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation has passed S. 571, known as the Pilot’s Bill of Rights 2. It will now go to the full Senate for consideration. The bill has strong support in the Senate, with 70 co-sponsors, and in the House, where it has 151 co-sponsors, according to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). Since it was introduced in the House and Senate in February, the bill has undergone some major modifications to address concerns by Congress and others.
With predictions of a slight reversal in 2016 and a return to slow growth in 2018, the business aircraft industry puts its bets on sustained demand for larger, faster, farther-flying jets.
Embraer Executive Jets has begun deliveries of its mid-light Legacy 450 business jet. The first aircraft was delivered to Orlando-based LMG, which produces support corporate meetings, trade shows and other events.
Expanded Tables Online Download expanded specifications on in-production and under-development business aviation aircraft and search more than 3,100 other systems at AviationWeek.com/specs
The number of used business jets for sale in all business jet categories in 2015 rose 6% when compared to a year ago, according to a survey by Jefferies. Of the manufacturers, Gulfstream Aerospace was the only company that saw used inventory levels decline, it said.
Avcorp’s acquisition of Hitco’s Aerostructures division, Hitco Carbon Composites, has strengthened its ability to address the growing market for composite airframe structures in the aviation sector, its CEO said.
TrueNorth Avionics has confirmed that its Optelity Cabin Gateway and Hot Spot products will be compatible with SmartSky Network’s 4G LTE-based wireless network “to create an exceptional in-flight passenger communications experience.”
AXON, based in Mayfair, London, specializes in transactions involving high-end business-jet aircraft. The AS2 is well-suited to cover vast distances, the company notes.
Signed into law by President Barack Obama on Nov. 27, 2013, the small airplane revitalization act was hailed by proponents as dramatically enhancing safety while simultaneously being a pro-jobs and pro-export initiative, Bunce said.
The legislation includes key funding for general-aviation manufacturers in safety, certification and alternative fuels for piston-engine aircraft and other measures.
